Online presence for a wagering game machine

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented method includes creating, by at least one processor, an online presence for a wagering game machine. The method also includes publishing wagering game activity that has occurred at the wagering game machine to the online presence for the wagering game machine.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of, and claims thepriority benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/594,529 filed 24 Aug.2012, which is a continuation-in-part application of, and claims thepriority benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/499,010, which is aNational Stage Application of International Application No.PCT/US10/50703, filed 29 Sep. 2010, which claims the priority benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/247,185, filed 30 Sep. 2009.

LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patentfiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever. Copyright 2015, Bally Gaming, Inc.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wageringgame systems and networks that, more particularly, include an onlinepresence for a wagering game machine.

BACKGROUND

Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines andthe like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for severalyears. Traditionally, wagering game machines have been confined tophysical buildings, like casinos (e.g., resort casinos, roadsidecasinos, etc.). The casinos are located in specific geographic locationsthat are authorized to present wagering games to casino patrons.However, with the proliferation of interest and use of the Internet,shrewd wagering game manufacturers have recognized that a global publicnetwork, such as the Internet, can reach to various locations of theworld that have been authorized to present wagering games. Anyindividual with a personal computing device (e.g., a personal computer,a laptop, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, etc.) can connectto the Internet and play wagering games. Consequently, some wageringgame manufacturers have created wagering games that can be processed bypersonal computing devices and offered via online casino websites(“online casinos”). However, online casinos face challenges andstruggles. For instance, online casinos have struggled to provide theexcitement and entertainment that a real-world casino environmentprovides. Some online casinos have struggled enforcing crossjurisdictional restrictions and requirements. Further, some onlinecasinos have struggled adapting the online gaming industry to atraditionally non-wagering game business environment. As a result,wagering game manufacturers, casino operators, and online game providersare constantly in need of innovative concepts that can make the onlinegaming industry appealing and profitable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

Embodiments are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 depicts a system that includes an online presence of a wageringgame machine, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts an example interface for an online presence, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart illustrating operations to provide an onlinepresence for a wagering game machine, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of controlling social interactionsbetween social network accounts and wagering game player accounts duringa wagering game session, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustration of a wagering game system architecture,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart illustrating integrating social networkinginteractions and wagering game systems, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustration of controlling social networkinginteractions between player accounts and wagering game machines,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustration of controlling social network accountsfor wagering game machines, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustration of a wagering game computer system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustration of a wagering game machine architecture,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts an illustration of a wagering game machine, according tosome embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Online Presence for a WageringGame Machine

Introduction

People can use social networks to establish an online presence. Forexample, people can create accounts on social networking websites, suchas Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, etc. By posting personal information onsuch social networking websites, people establish an “online presence”.Some embodiments enable wagering game machines to establish an onlinepresence, in ways similar how people establish an online presence. Someembodiments enable a wagering game machine to sign-up for and “own” asocial networking account, a microblogging account, a URL for themachine's own online website, etc. Using these various internet-basedsocial media, wagering game machines can establish their own onlinepresence. By owning social networking accounts, wagering game machinescan post information and media (e.g., text, video, audio, etc.) to thesocial networking accounts. Such posts describe activities occurring atthe machine. Accordingly, players can follow a given wagering gamemachine's activities by monitoring the machine's online presence (e.g.,Facebook posts, Twitter tweets, etc.). For example, on Facebook, amachine's account may be viewable by everyone (not just “friends”).Players can sign-on to Facebook and view the machine's posts aboutactivities occurring on the machine. Therefore, embodiments enableplayers to follow activities on a wagering game machine even when theyare not present at the machine.

Some embodiments enable wagering game machines to post various media,such as live feeds of wagering game activity (e.g., videos of spinningreels for a slots game), notifications of certain wins (e.g., jackpots,progressive wins, etc.), leader boards for different wagering gameactivity, notification if wagering is currently occurring, a history ofwagering game activity (e.g., a list of the amounts, date and time ofthe last 50 big wins), etc. The wagering game activity can also compriseidle activity where active wagering operations are not occurring.

Each wagering game machine can have a personality defined by one or morefactors, such as a theme of games played on the machine, the machine'sphysical location, etc. The machine's personality can then determine, atleast in part, a type of information to publish on the machine's socialnetworking accounts. For example, one wagering game machine'spersonality can require publishing of: 1) wins above $50,000, 2) thenumber of times the max button is selected, etc. A second wageringgame's personality can require publishing of: 1) wins above $500, 2) anyprogressive wins, etc.

Some embodiments allow for anonymity of people involved in the wageringgame activity, and people following the machine's online presence (e.g.,Facebook account, the machine's website, etc.). In particular, someembodiments allow for a range of engagement with a machine's onlinepresence. For example, a highest level of engagement for tracking anonline presence can include a person becoming a “friend” of the wageringgame machine on a social network. In another example, a mid level ofengagement can include a person logging into a social media website toview public posts by the machine. In another example, a lowest level ofengagement for tracking a machine's online presence can include a personaccessing a website updated and controlled by the wagering game machine.In such an example, the person may not be required to provideidentification to access the website. Also, wagering game players canopt out of having their wagering game play published.

In some embodiments, one wagering game machine can subscribe to anonline presence of another wagering game machine. For example, wageringgame machine A with game theme X could subscribe to wagering gamemachine B that also has theme X. Accordingly, the feeds from wageringgame machine B could be posted on the feeds for wagering game machine A.Therefore, a person viewing machine A's online presence could also seeupdates from machine B. For example, the person could see jackpot winsfrom machine B on machine A's Facebook wall.

System Environment for an Online Presence

FIG. 1 depicts a system that enables wagering game machines to establishan online presence, according to some embodiments. A system 100 includesa number of wagering game machines (illustrated as a wagering gamemachine 104 and a wagering game machine 106) that are communicativelycoupled to a network 108. The system 100 also includes a number ofdevices (illustrated as a device 110 and a device 112) that arecommunicatively coupled to the network 108. The devices 110 and 112 canbe any type of device that can perform network communications (e.g.,desktop computer, notebook computer, smartphone, etc.).

The system 100 includes a number of servers (illustrated as a socialnetwork server 120, a microblogging server 122, and a URL-based websiteserver 124) that are communicatively coupled to the network 108. Each ofthe social network server 120, the microblogging server 122, and theURL-based website server 124 define online channels that make up anonline presence 102 for the wagering game machine 104. In particular,the social network server 120 is an online channel 114, themicroblogging server 122 is an online channel 116, and the URL-basedwebsite server 124 is an online channel 118. The online channels 114-118together serve as online channels included in the online presence 102.As noted, in FIG. 1, the online presence 102 is for the wagering gamemachine 104. However, wagering game machine 106 may have the same onlinepresence.

In FIG. 1, a wagering game player 130 is playing a wagering game at thewagering game machine 104. A wagering game player 132 is playing awagering game at the wagering game machine 106. A person 134 is usingthe device 110, and a person 136 is using the device 112.

The wagering game machines 104-106 can be either physical machines orvirtual representations. For example, a physical wagering game machinecan be a machine located in a brick-and-mortar wagering gameestablishment or any other type device (e.g., a mobile device) thatprovides for wagering game play regardless of location. In someembodiments, a wagering game machine can also be a virtualrepresentation of a machine. For example, online wagering play caninclude virtual casinos that have virtual representations of wageringgame machines located on the floor of the virtual casino.

In this example, the wagering game machine 104 creates the onlinepresence 102. A software application executing on the wagering gamemachine 104 can create the online presence 102. In particular, thesoftware application can use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)for accessing the different online channels (e.g., social mediawebsites). The software application can create accounts for thedifferent online channels (e.g., a social network account, amicroblogging account, etc.), thereby creating an online presence forthe wagering game machine. Also, the software application (e.g., a bot)can transmit data about wagering game activity to the different onlinechannels. This data is then published or posted to one or more of thedifferent online channels. For example, the wagering game machine canpublish (or post) different types of data (e.g., text, video, audio,etc.) regarding wagering game activity that occurred at the machine.Accordingly, persons (e.g., wagering game players) can follow activityfor a given wagering game machine based on its online presence (evenwhen the persons are not present at the machine). The audio and videocan be based on a live feed from a camera, where the audio and videoinclude the reactions of the wagering game player playing the game.Alternatively or in addition, the audio and video provided as part ofthe online presence can be a stream of data that represents what isactually being presented to the player (independent of capturing by acamera).

Examples of the different data that is published to an online presenceincludes live feeds of wagering game activity (e.g., spinning reels fora slots game), notifications of certain wins (e.g., jackpots,progressive wins, etc.), leader boards for different wagering gameactivity, notification if wagering is currently occurring, a history ofwagering game activity (e.g., a list of the amounts, date and time ofthe last 50 big wins, etc.), etc. Other examples include the differentwagering games that are currently available for play at the wageringgame machine, its current denominations, its line counts, and itsphysical location.

The wagering game machine 104 can also post more “human-like” messagesthat are indicative of wagering game activity. For example, if theamount of coin-in exceeds a monetary amount in a given time period(e.g., six hours), the wagering game machine 104 can publish “I ambusy!” Or, if there has been no wagering for a given time period (e.g.,one hour), the wagering game machine can publish “I am lonely!” Thewagering game machine 104 can also publish more personalized messages tospecific persons. For example, the wagering game machine 104 can publish“I have not seen Jim Smith in over a month” or “I miss you JaneAnderson—you were my last big winner.”

Also, data for one type of wagering game activity (e.g., progressivewins) can be published in one online channel, but not in a differentonline channel for one particular wagering game machine. Each wageringgame machine can be unique about what is published and to which onlinechannel(s) to publish. For example, each wagering game machine can haveits own personality that is defined based on the theme of the game beingthereon, its physical location, etc. The machine's personality can thendetermine, at least in part, the type of information to publish for itsonline presence. For example, one wagering game machine's personalitycan require publishing of: 1) wins above $5,000, 2) the number of timesthe max button is selected, etc. In contrast, a second wagering game'spersonality can require publishing of: 1) wins above $500, 2) anyprogressive wins, etc.

Some embodiments can allow for anonymity for the persons involved in thewagering game activity and the persons following an online presence. Asdescribed above, some embodiments allow for a range of engagement withthe online presence. For example, the person 134 may want to beanonymous by viewing the online presence of the wagering game machine104 by accessing the website hosted by the URL-based website server 124.While, the person 136 may want a higher level of engagement. Forexample, the person 136 can “friend” the wagering game machine 104 forthe social network hosted by the social network server 120. Accordingly,a minimum level of involvement can begin with a person only havingknowledge of the location of the wagering game machine. Based on thatknowledge, the person can then decide how involved they want to be intracking the online presence of the wagering game machine. For example,the person can track the machine's online presence through a website,becoming a friend of the machine on a social media website, etc.

As described, the wagering game machine publishes information to itsonline presence without a request for such information by a person.Also, wagering game players can opt out of having their wagering gameplay being published as part of the online presence of the wagering gamemachine.

In some embodiments, one wagering game machine can subscribe to anonline presence of a different wagering game machine. For example, thewagering game machine 104 can subscribe (“friend” on a social network)to the wagering game machine 106. The wagering game machine 104 cansubscribe to other wagering game machines having a same wagering gametheme, other wagering game machines in a same wagering gameestablishment, other wagering game machine having a same wagering gametheme across all wagering game establishments for a given city orregion, etc. Accordingly, the feeds from the online presence of thewagering game machine 106 could be published on the feed for thewagering game machine 104. Therefore, a person viewing the onlinepresence of the wagering game machine 104 could also see the feedupdates for the wagering game machine 106. Such examples are providedbelow in conjunction with the description of FIG. 2. Also, a physicalwagering game machine at a brick-and-mortar wagering game establishmentcan follow the online presence of a virtual wagering game machine.

The wagering game machine 104 can also establish relationships withpersons based on the wagering game activity at the wagering game machine104. In particular, the wagering game machine 104 provides access to itsonline presence to a person if that person has performed variousactivities, such as wagered at least a given monetary amount at thewagering game machine, won a given number of times, wagered at theparticular wagering game machine a give number of times on separateoccasions, etc. For example, the wagering game machine 104 may “friend”the person 136 on a social network because the person 136 has wagered atleast $100 at the wagering game machine 104.

In some embodiments, a wagering game player can log into their playeraccount to play the wagering game machine. For example, the wageringgame player 130 can log into their player account to play the wageringgame machine 104. As further described below, this player account can beassociated with the player's accounts for tracking an online presence.For example, the player account and the accounts for different onlinechannels (e.g., social networking websites, blogging websites, etc.) cancommunicate with each other. Accordingly, if the wagering game player130 has logged into their player account, the wagering game machine 104could send direct messages or make friend requests to the wagering gameplayer 130 through their accounts for tracking an online presence forthe wagering game machine 104.

Also, the wagering game machine can make an inquiry to the wagering gameplayer during play of the wagering game machine. The inquiry can be arequest for the wagering game player to follow the online presence forthe wagering game machine. For example, the inquiry can include anoption to allow the wagering game player to create an account at one ormore online channels to monitor the machine's online presence. Toillustrate, the wagering game machine 104 can present an input window onone of its displays to the wagering game player 130 during wagering gameplay. If the wagering game player does provide the necessary input(e.g., user ID and password for setting up or accessing an account) foraccessing at least one online channel, the wagering game machine cancommunicate over the network with the associated server for the onlinechannel(s) using APIs for the associated server.

In some embodiments, websites may provide online play of wagering gamestypically available at real-life wagering game machines. Websites mayalso provide online non-wagering versions of such wagering games. Also,websites may provide casual (non-wagering) games that are notfunctionally equivalent to wagering games, but still relate to thewagering games. There may be a synergy between wagering games at areal-life wagering game machine, the machine's online presence, itscounterpart online wagering game version, its counterpart onlinenon-wagering version, and its counterpart casual games.

For some wagering games played on wagering game machines, there arecounterpart wagering games for online play, including both desktop andmobile versions. These counterpart games can be functionally equivalentto the wagering game offered on the real-life wagering game machine.Also, these counterpart games can be either non-wagering or wagering. Insome embodiments, these counterpart games can provide an option toenable the player to access the online presence of one or more wageringgame machines with the wagering game. For example, the person 134 canplay the online wagering version of a wagering game offered at wageringgame machine 104, while the person 136 can play an online non-wageringversion of the same game.

These online versions can attempt to motivate the persons 134-136 toaccess the online presence for the wagering game machine 104. Forexample, these online versions can provide the URL addresses for five ofthe wagering game machines having the highest payout in the last month(including the wagering game machine 104). This allows the player toaccess activity of the wagering game (through an online presence of aparticular wagering game machine). Such access could motivate thepersons 134-136 to play the wagering game version on the wagering gamemachine 104. Additionally, the wagering game machine 104 itself canprovide information about its online presence (e.g., account ID for asocial network account) to the wagering game player.

Also, a different website can allow for play of casual (non-wagering)games that relate to the wagering game. The play of these casual gamescan affect the play of the wagering game. For example, some wageringgames are episodic wherein a player unlocks new episodes based on gameplay of current episodes at the wagering game machine. The play of thesecasual games allows a player to earn points that are credited tounlocking of new episodes on the wagering game at the wagering gamemachine. Accordingly, the player can advance to a new episode of awagering game based on play of these casual games. For example withreference to FIG. 1, the wagering game player 130 can play these casual(non-wagering) games through the website that relate to the wageringgame at the wagering game machine 104 (prior to arrival at the wageringgame machine 104). The wagering game player 130 may then be furtheralong in the play of the wagering game based on the play of these casual(non-wagering) games. Similar to the online versions of the wageringgame (described above), this website for play of casual games canattempt to motivate the wagering game player 130 to access the onlinepresence for the wagering game machine 104. For example, this websitefor play of casual games can provide information about the differentonline channels (social network server) enabling access to the onlinepresence for the wagering game machine 104.

The wagering game machine 104 can also provide information on how toaccess its counterpart wagering versions and non-wagering version andplay of the casual games (e.g., URL addresses of the websites). Also,the wagering game machine 104 can provide an option to the wagering gameplayer 130 to convert some of the money into virtual coins used for playof the counterpart non-wagering version or transfer of actual moniesused for play of the counterpart wagering version. For example, if thewagering game player is about to cash-out, the wagering game machine canprovide an option to allow the player to convert at least some of theirmoney to virtual coins for play of the counterpart non-wagering version.Accordingly, these different aspects of the wagering game can driveplayers to one another. For example, the wagering game machine, itscounterpart wagering version, its counterpart non-wagering version, andits counterpart casual games can attempt to drive a wagering game playerto follow the online presence of the wagering game machine.

As described above, each wagering game machine can have its ownpersonality, wherein the personality can then determine, at least inpart, the type of information to publish for its online presence. Insome embodiments, the activity occurring at one or more of thecounterpart wagering version, the counterpart non-wagering version, andthe counterpart casual games can affect the personality of the wageringgame machine. For example, if the players are playing a particular bonusgame in the online version of the wagering game (either wagering ornon-wagering), the online presence is altered to provide informationabout this particular bonus game.

Example Interface for an Online Presence

FIG. 2 depicts an example interface for a wagering game machine's onlinepresence, according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2 depicts ascreenshot 200 of an example interface for one of the online channelsthat forms an online presence for the wagering game machine 104 ofFIG. 1. In this example, the online channel is a social network. Thescreenshot 200 shows an interface viewable on one of the devices110-112. The screenshot 200 illustrates an interface for a socialnetworking website 203 in a web browser 240. As further described below,this interface provides different information about wagering gameactivity for the wagering game machine 104. Similar information can beprovided for other online channels that are part of the machine's (104)online presence (e.g., a microblogging website, a website, etc.). Withreference to FIG. 1, the social networking website 203 presents a socialnetwork profile 242 for a social network account. The social networkaccount is for the wagering game machine 104.

The social network server 120 can present identifying information 243(e.g. a machine name, an avatar, thematic artwork, etc.) for thewagering game machine 104. In some embodiments, the social networkserver 120 presents descriptive information 246 of the wagering gamemachine's location, history, statistics, or other properties andcharacteristics (e.g., how to access a wagering game machine, what thewagering game machine is paying out, etc). The descriptive information246 can include a map application that shows a map graphic depicting thedescriptive information 246.

The social network server 120 can present a list 271 of friends of thewagering game machine 104 as part of the social network profile 242 forthe wagering game machine 104. As shown, the friends include persons andother wagering game machines. The persons that are friends include AmyS. and Marcus M. The other wagering game machines that are friendsinclude Mach_2, Mach_8, and Mach_50.

The social network server 120 can also present friends' status feeds 244as part of the social network profile 242 for the wagering game machine104. As shown, the friends' status feeds 244 can include updates frompersons and other wagering game machines that are friends of thewagering game machine 104. In this example, a friend status 204 isnotification from Amy S., indicating that she won 500 credits on Mach_1(the name for the wagering game machine 104). A friend status 205 isnotification from Mach_2, indicating that this wagering game machine isbusy. A friend status 206 is notification from Mach_50, indicating thatthis wagering game machine is missing a previous winner (Jane Anderson).A friend status 207 is notification from Mach_8, indicating that thiswagering game machine just paid out $10,000. Also, a comment 208 wasadding regarding the friend status 207. Specifically, the comment 208was from Mach_2, indicating a congratulations to Mach_8 and anotification regarding its most recent payout.

The social network server 120 can also present a status 247 for thewagering game machine 104 as part of the social network profile 242 forthe wagering game machine 104. For example, the social network server120 can present a status message 247 about what the wagering gamemachine 104 is doing (e.g., playing a game with Amy S.). In someembodiments, the social network server 120 can provide levels ofbenefits based on degrees of wagering activity. For example, the socialnetwork server 120 can require that a player perform certain activitiesusing the wagering game machine 104, or on different wagering gamemachines (e.g., require that the player play games at differentlocations, on different wagering game machines), to unlock a gameapplication 248. The social network server 120 and the wagering gamemachine 104 can report player activities and accomplishments back andforth to each other to update the game application 248 and unlock accessto the game application 248, or access to different levels of the gameapplication 248, once the player performs the activities.

Further, the social network server 120 can post videos of playeractivities (e.g., replays, wins, etc.) using a video sharing application249, wherein the videos are provided by the wagering game machine 104.The video that is posted can be a live feed from a camera, wherein theaudio and video include the reactions of the wagering game playerplaying the game. Alternatively or in addition, the video can be astream of data that represents what is actually being presented to theplayer (independent of capturing by a camera). The social network server120 can also provide a comments feature 291 to enable friends of thewagering game machine 104 to provide comments about the status of thewagering game machine 104.

The social network server 120 can integrate with social networkapplications indicated in an applications console 292, or elsewhere onthe social network website 203. The social network applications canprovide levels of benefits (e.g. levels of information, access, rewards,privileges, etc.) for the social network applications. For example,social network server 120 can make friend's accounts (i.e., socialcontact accounts linked to a player-owned social network account)eligible to win sweepstakes offered by a sweepstakes application on thesocial networking website 203. In another example, social network server120 can present statistics in a statistical or information applicationor features. For instance, social network server 120 can determinestatistics for the wagering game machine 104, such as a popularity ofthe wagering game machine by all players or, specifically, by one ormore linked social network accounts that are linked to the socialnetwork account. The social network server 120 can review a machine'splay history (e.g., review who has played the wagering game machine andwhen), and submit the play history to a popularity-tracking socialnetwork application 297 that can list the popularity of the wageringgame machine 104 based on the play history. The social network server120 can also compare an individual player's history to other players'histories to generate a comparison of the popularities among individualplayers.

The social network server 120 can submit the comparison to thepopularity-tracking social network application 297 to present on thesocial network website 203. In yet another example, the social networkserver 120 can control a leader board application 298 that postsrankings of players that are participating in a gaming tournament. Inanother example, the wagering game machine 104 can report information togroups 293 using group applications 295 that feed to groups of users(e.g., send a picture of a player at the wagering game machine 104 to agroup of friends using a picture sharing application).

Example Operations for an Online Presence

This section describes operations associated with some embodiments. Inthe discussion below, a flowchart is described with reference to blockdiagrams presented herein. However, in some embodiments, the operationscan be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams.

In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executinginstructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g., software), whilein other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/orother logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can beperformed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of theoperations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments canperform more or less than all the operations shown in the flowchart.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart illustrating for providing an online presencefor a wagering game machine, according to some embodiments. Theoperations of a flowchart 300 are described in reference to FIGS. 1-2.In this example, the operations of the flowchart 300 are performed by anonline presence module that is within the wagering game machine 104. Forexample, the online presence module can be software being executed by aprocessor in the wagering game machine 104. Example architectures havingthe online presence module are illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, which aredescribed in more detail below. The operations of the flowchart 300begin at block 302.

At block 302, the online presence module creates an online presence fora wagering game machine. With reference to FIG. 1, the online presencemodule creates an online presence for the wagering game machine 104. Inparticular, the online presence module can use APIs for accessing thedifferent online channels in creating the online presence. Using theAPIs, the online presence module can create accounts for the differentonline channels (e.g., a social network account, a microbloggingaccount, etc.), thereby creating an online presence for the wageringgame machine 104. Operations of the flowchart 300 can continue along twodifferent paths (the operations in these two paths can be performedserially or in parallel). After the operations at block 302, operationscan continue at block 304 and 308.

At block 304, the online presence module determines that wagering gameactivity has occurred at the wagering game machine. With reference toFIG. 1, the online presence module determines that some type of wageringgame activity (e.g., player login, reel spin, jackpot win, etc.) hasoccurred at the wagering game machine 104. Operations of the flow chart300 continue at block 306.

At block 306, the online presence module determines whether to publishwagering game activity to the online presence. With reference to FIG. 1,the online presence module makes this determination for the wageringgame machine 104. As described above, each wagering game machine canhave its own personality that is defined based on the theme of the gameplayable thereon, its physical location, etc. The machine's personalitycan then determine, at least in part, the type of information to publishfor its online presence. For example, one wagering game machine'spersonality can require publishing of: 1) wins above $50,000, 2) thenumber of times the max button is selected, etc. Whereas, a secondwagering game's personality can require publishing of: 1) wins above$500, 2) any progressive wins, etc. If the wagering game activity is tobe published, operations of the flowchart 300 continue at block 308.Otherwise, operations of the flowchart 300 return to block 304 todetermine a next wagering game activity has occurred at the wageringgame machine.

At block 308, the online presence module publishes wagering gameactivity to the online presence. With reference to FIG. 1, the onlinepresence module publishes the wagering game activity for the wageringgame machine 104 to one or more of the online channels 114-118. Inparticular, the online presence module can use Application ProgrammingInterfaces (APIs) for accessing the different online channels for theonline presence. Using the APIs, the online presence module can transmitdata regarding the wagering game activity over the network 108 to one ormore of the social network server 120, the microblogging server 122, andthe URL-based website server 124. As described above, the decision ofwhich online channel to publish can be based on the personality of thewagering game machine 104. Operations of the flowchart 300 continue atblock 309.

At block 309, the online presence module determines whether thepublishing of wagering game activity to the machine's online presence iscompleted. For example, the online presence module can stop publishingif a network connection for publishing is unavailable, if the wageringgame machine is rebooted, or a configuration is updated to precludepublication of wagering game activity to the online presence. If thepublish is complete, the operations for this path of the flowchart 300are complete. Otherwise, operations of the flowchart 300 return to block304 to determine a next wagering game activity has occurred at thewagering game machine.

At block 310, the online presence module determines whether to subscribeto an online presence of other wagering game machines. With reference toFIG. 1, the wagering game machine 104 can subscribe (e.g., “friend” on asocial network) to the wagering game machine 106. The decision ofwhether to subscribe to other wagering game machines can be based on thepersonality of the wagering game machine (e.g., theme of the wageringgame, the physical location, etc.). For example, the wagering gamemachine 104 can subscribe to other wagering game machines having a samewagering game theme, other wagering game machines in a same wageringgame establishment, other wagering game machine having a same wageringgame theme across all wagering game establishments for a given city orregion, etc. Also, a physical wagering game machine at abrick-and-mortar wagering game establishment can follow the onlinepresence of a virtual wagering game machine, or vice versa. Accordingly,the feeds from the online presence of the wagering game machine 106could be published on the feed for the wagering game machine 104.Therefore, a person viewing the online presence of the wagering gamemachine 104 could also see the feed updates for the wagering gamemachine 106. With reference to FIG. 2, see examples of the status feedsof Mach_2, Mach_50, and Mach_8 being shown on the social network profile242 for a social network account for the wagering game machine 104. Ifit is determined that the wagering game machine is not to subscribe tothe online presence of other wagering game machines, operations continueat block 310 where another determination is made of whether to subscribeto the online presence of other wagering game machines. Otherwise,operations continue at block 312.

At block 312, the online presence module subscribes to the onlinepresence of other wagering game machines. In particular, the onlinepresence module can use APIs for subscribing to the different onlinechannels for the online presence of other wagering game machines. Usingthe APIs, the online presence module can use request subscription to thedifferent online channels (e.g., a social network account, amicroblogging account, etc.) for the other wagering game machines. Forexample, the online presence module can make friend requests on thesocial network for those wagering game machines in a samebrick-and-mortar wagering game establishment or virtual casino that havea wagering game with a same theme. Operations continue at block 310where another determination is made of whether to subscribe to theonline presence of other wagering game machines. These operations alongthis path of the flowchart 300 continue to allow subscription to theonline presence of other wagering game machines at later points in time.

Integrating Social Networking and Wagering Systems

Introduction

Social communication is on the rise. Internet users are enjoying aproliferation of social networking mechanisms (e.g., social networkingwebsites, online chats, blogging, social networking applications, etc.)that are appearing online in vast quantities. Many of those Internetusers are also wagering game enthusiasts. Wagering games are alsoexpanding in popularity. Many wagering game enthusiasts are demandinggreater access to wagering games and content related to wagering games,especially content that includes social networking. As statedpreviously, some wagering game companies have created online wageringgame websites that provide a way for wagering game enthusiasts to playwagering games while connected to the Internet (e.g., via aweb-browser). Some online wagering game websites provide variousfeatures, such as some social networking functionality. Socialnetworking features, for example, allow wagering game players(“players”) to create user accounts with one or more unique identifiersthat represent an online persona. One example of a unique identifier isan “avatar.” Avatars are graphical, “cartoon-like” depictions of asocial networking persona. These online personas and associated avatarsadd to the fun of belonging to a social network. Many online casinos,however, present an unsatisfactory wagering game experience to playerswho enjoy a more integrated gaming experience.

Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter, describe examples ofintegrating social networking and wagering systems for a networkwagering venue (e.g., an online casino, a wagering game website, awagering network, etc.). Embodiments can be presented over any type ofcommunications network (e.g., public or private) that provides access towagering games, such as a website (e.g., via wide-area-networks, orWANs), a private gaming network (e.g., local-area-networks, or LANs), afile sharing network, a social network, etc., or any combination ofnetworks. Multiple users can be connected to the networks via computingdevices. The multiple users can have accounts that subscribe to specificservices, such as account-based wagering systems (e.g., account-basedwagering game websites, account-based casino networks, etc.).

In some embodiments herein a user may be referred to as a player (i.e.,of wagering games), and a player may be referred to interchangeably as aplayer account. Account-based wagering systems utilize player accountswhen transacting and performing activities, at the computer level, thatare initiated by players. Therefore, a “player account” represents theplayer at a computerized level. The player account can perform actionsvia computerized instructions. For example, in some embodiments, aplayer account may be referred to as performing an action, controllingan item, communicating information, etc. Although a player, or person,may be activating a game control or device to perform the action,control the item, communicate the information, etc., the player account,at the computer level, can be associated with the player, and thereforeany actions associated with the player can also be associated with theplayer account. Therefore, for brevity, to avoid having to describe theinterconnection between player and player account in every instance, a“player account” may be referred to herein in either context. Further,in some embodiments herein, the word “gaming” is used interchangeablywith “gambling.”

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example ofcontrolling social interactions between social network accounts andwagering game player accounts during a wagering game session, accordingto some embodiments. In FIG. 4, a wagering game system (“system”) 400includes a wagering game machine 460 connected to a wagering game server450 via a communications network 422. Also connected to thecommunications network 422 are a computer 437, a social network server480, and an account server 470. The wagering game machine 460 isconfigured to present a wagering game application 403 in a wagering gamedisplay 402. The wagering game application 403 can include wagering gameelements, such as one or more reels 407, a credit meter 413, a bet meter415, a spin button 417, etc. The wagering game machine 460 can alsoaccess a player account 471 (e.g., Marcus Miller's player account)stored on the account server 470. The player account 471 can log in tothe wagering game machine 460 as indicated by player login information405.

The computer 437 can access a social network account 444 (e.g., Amy S.'ssocial network account) stored on the social network server 480. Thesocial network server 480 can host a social networking website 441(e.g., the fictional social networking website “Facepage”). The socialnetwork server 480 can include other devices, servers, mechanisms, etc.,that provide functionality (e.g., controls, web pages, applications,etc.) that social network users can use to connect to the socialnetworking website 441 and utilize social networking website features(e.g., communications mechanisms, applications, etc.). The computer 437can present the social networking website 441 via a web browserapplication (“web browser”) 440. The social network account 444 (e.g.,Amy S.'s social network account) can log in to the social networkingwebsite 441 through the computer 437, as indicated by social networkuser login information 447. The computer 437 can present the socialnetworking website 441 in the web browser 440.

The social networking website 441 can present social networking profilesfor social networking contacts (e.g., friends, subscribers, etc.) thatsocialize with the owner of the social network account 444 (e.g., withAmy S.) via the social networking website 441. The social networkaccount 444 can have a number of social networking contacts. Forexample, the social network user, Amy S., can link the social networkaccount 444 to a separate social network account 445 for a second socialnetwork user, Marcus Miller, via the social network server 480.Likewise, the social network account 445 for Marcus Miller is linked tothe social network account 444 for Amy S. It should be noted that thesocial network account 445 is a different account from the playeraccount 471, although Marcus Miller, the user, may own and control boththe player account 471 and the social network account 445. Further,although the social network account 444 and the social network account445 may be linked, they may be linked only as social contacts, so thatthe users Amy S. and Marcus Miller can receive social communicationsfrom and about each other, but each user maintains separate control ofhis or her own social network account.

On the account server 470, the player account 471 can include a socialnetworking contact list 473 that can show one or more social-networkcontact accounts from various social networking websites and services.For example, the social networking contact list 473 includes linkingcontrols 475 that link or otherwise associate the social network account444 (for the social network user Amy S) to the player account 471. Oncelinked, the player account 471 can show information that identifies thesocial network account 444 (such as an avatar identifier 476 for AmyS.). The player account 471 can also include options, settings,preferences, etc. for presenting social communications from the socialnetwork account 444 during wagering games. For example, the playeraccount 471 includes a comment display control 474 that, when activated,will show social communications from the social network account 444. Forexample, when the social network account 444 views a profile page 442for the social network account 445 (e.g., for Marcus Miller's Facepageprofile page), a comment feature 443 can present options for the socialnetwork account 444 to comment about the social network account 445(e.g., for Amy S. to comment on a picture posted by Marcus Miller on theprofile page 442). The social network server 480 can send a comment madeby the social network account 444 (e.g., “I love that place!” sent byAmy S.) to the account server 470 and/or the wagering game server 450.The account server 470 and/or the wagering game server 450 can receivethe comment and present it in the wagering game machine 460 to presentin the wagering game display 402. The wagering game machine 460 canpresent the comment in different ways. In one embodiment, the wageringgame machine 460 presents the comment in a comment application 408. Thecomment application 408 may be an integrated feature of the wageringgame application 403, or it may be a separate application (e.g., aplug-in, or other “secondary” independent application) that presentscomments separate from the wagering game application 403. The commentapplication 408 can present a comment copy 411 as well as controls toreply to the comment (e.g., reply control 410 to reply to Amy S.) orinvite the social network account 444 to participate in gaming activity(e.g., an invite control 412 to invite Amy S. to play a wagering game).

In another embodiment, the wagering game application 403 may communicatewith the comment application 408 so that the wagering game application403 knows that there is a comment. The wagering game application 403 canpresent notifications of the comment (e.g., via comment notification406) or integrate the comment (as well as elements of the social networkaccount 444 that made the comment) into the wagering game activity. Forexample, the wagering game application 403 can present a friendidentifier image 404, which can include a name and an avatar for thesocial network account 444 (e.g., for Amy S.), into the one or morereels 407 or any other playing element for the wagering game application403.

In some embodiments, as described in further detail herein, the wageringgame machine 460 can also have a social network account 448, and socialnetworking identifiers (e.g., a name “Mach 1,” an avatar 409, etc.), sothat the player account 471, and the social network accounts 444 and445, can interact and socialize with the wagering game machine 460.

Although FIG. 4 describes some embodiments, the following sectionsdescribe many other features and embodiments.

Example Operating Environments for Integrated Social Networking

This section describes example operating environments and networks andpresents structural aspects of some embodiments. More specifically, thissection includes discussion about wagering game system architectures.

Wagering Game System Architecture

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wageringgame system architecture 500, according to some embodiments. Thewagering game system architecture 500 can include an account server 570configured to control user related accounts accessible via wagering gamenetworks and social networks. The account server 570 can store wageringgame player account information such as account settings (e.g., settingsrelated to social networking contacts, settings related to socialcommunications, etc.), preferences (e.g., player preferences regardingsocial network accounts and features, player preferences regardinglevels of social communication by wagering game machines, playerpreferences regarding award types, player preferences related to virtualassets, etc.), player profile data (e.g., name, avatar, screen name,etc.), and other information for a player's account (e.g., financialinformation, account identification numbers, virtual assets, socialnetworking contact information, etc.). The account server 570 cancontain lists of social networking contacts referenced by a playeraccount. The account server 570 can also provide auditing capabilitiesaccording to regulatory rules. The account server 570 can also trackperformance of players, machines, and servers.

The wagering game system architecture 500 can also include a wageringgame server 550 configured to control wagering game content, providerandom numbers, and communicate wagering game information, accountinformation, and other information to and from a client 560. Thewagering game server 550 can include a content controller 551 configuredto manage and control content for the presentation of content on theclient 560. For example, the content controller 551 can generate gameresults (e.g., win/loss values), including win amounts, for games playedon the client 560. The content controller 551 can communicate the gameresults to the client 560. The content controller 551 can also generaterandom numbers and provide them to the client 560 so that the client 560can generate game results. The wagering game server 550 can also includea content store 552 configured to contain content to present on theclient 560. The wagering game server 550 can also include an accountmanager 553 configured to control information related to playeraccounts. For example, the account manager 553 can communicate wageramounts, game results amounts (e.g., win amounts), bonus game amounts,etc., to the account server 570. The wagering game server 550 can alsoinclude a communication unit 554 configured to communicate informationto the client 560 and to communicate with other systems, devices, andnetworks.

The wagering game system architecture 500 can also include the client560 configured to present wagering games and receive and transmitinformation to integrate social networking and wagering systems. Theclient 560 can be a computer system, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a cell phone, a laptop, a wagering game machine, or any other device ormachine that is capable of processing information, instructions, orother data provided via a communications network 522. The client 560 caninclude a content controller 561 configured to manage and controlcontent and presentation of content on the client 560. The client 560can also include a content store 562 configured to contain content topresent on the client 560. The client 560 can also include a socialnetworking module 563 configured to communicate with social networkaccounts associated with wagering game player accounts. The socialnetworking module 563 can also be configured to present events (e.g.,achievements, machine occurrences, etc.) associated with the wageringgame player account for a wagering game session and communicate theevents to the social network account associated with the wagering gameplayer account. The social networking module 563 can also be configuredto enable the client 560 to be a social networking contact to the socialnetwork account. The client 560 can, thus, perform social communicationsand other related social networking activities that social networkingcontacts perform on social networking websites (e.g., link to socialnetwork accounts, make comments, build relationships, etc.). The socialnetworking module 563 can interact with social networking websites as apseudo-user. The social networking module 563 can provide uniqueidentification for the client 560 such as a name, an avatar, and otheridentifying features that are associated with a social network account.The social networking module 563 can also convey social communicationsmade from social networking communication mechanisms (e.g., socialcommunication features on a social networking website or associated witha social communication application) to the client 560. The socialnetworking module 563 can present the social communications during awagering game session.

The wagering game system architecture 500 can also include a socialnetwork server 590 configured to host social network accounts, providesocial networking content, control social networking communications,store associated social networking contacts, etc.

The wagering game system architecture 500 can also include a web server580 configured to control and present an online website that hostswagering games. The web server 580 can also be configured to presentmultiple wagering game applications on the client 560 via a wageringgame website, or other gaming-type venue accessible via the Internet.The web server 580 can host an online wagering website and socialnetworking. The web server 580 can include other devices, servers,mechanisms, etc., that provide functionality (e.g., controls, web pages,applications, etc.) that web users can use to connect to a socialnetwork website and utilize social networking and website features(e.g., communications mechanisms, applications, etc.). The web server580 can also be configured to communicate with the client 560 andpresent data from the client 560 as social communications on the socialnetworking website.

Each component shown in the wagering game system architecture 500 isshown as a separate and distinct element connected via thecommunications network 522. However, some functions performed by onecomponent could be performed by other components. For example, thewagering game server 550 can also be configured to perform functions ofthe social networking module 563, and other network elements and/orsystem devices. For instance, the wagering game server 550 cancommunicate with the client 560 throughout a wagering game session andconnect the wagering game player account to one of its social networkaccounts. The wagering game server 550 can control communicationsbetween the wagering game player account and a connected social networkaccount during a wagering game session. The wagering game server 550 canalso control communications between the wagering game player account anda machine-owned social network account, which represents a wagering gamemachine (e.g., the client 560 can be a wagering game machine in oneembodiment) that the wagering game player account uses during thewagering game session.

Furthermore, the components shown may all be contained in one device,but some, or all, may be included in, or performed by, multiple devicesas in the configurations shown in FIG. 5 or other configurations notshown. For example, the account manager 553 and the communication unit554 can be included in the client 560 instead of, or in addition to,being a part of the wagering game server 550. Further, in someembodiments, the client 560 can determine wagering game outcomes,generate random numbers, etc., instead of, or in addition to, thewagering game server 550.

As mentioned previously, in some embodiments the client 560 can take theform of a wagering game machine. Examples of wagering game machines caninclude floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bar-top models,workstation-type console models, surface computing machines, etc.Further, wagering game machines can be primarily dedicated for use inconducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated devices, such asmobile phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, etc.

In some embodiments, clients and wagering game servers work togethersuch that clients can be operated as thin, thick, or intermediateclients. For example, one or more elements of game play may becontrolled by the client or the wagering game servers (server). Gameplay elements can include executable game code, lookup tables,configuration files, game outcome, audio or visual representations ofthe game, game assets, or the like. In a thin-client example, thewagering game server can perform functions such as determining gameoutcome or managing assets, while the clients can present a graphicalrepresentation of such outcome or asset modification to the user (e.g.,player). In a thick-client example, the clients can determine gameoutcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game server forrecording or managing a player's account.

In some embodiments, either the client or the wagering game server(s)can provide functionality that is not directly related to game play. Forexample, account transactions and account rules may be managed centrally(e.g., by the wagering game server(s)) or locally (e.g., by the client).Other functionality not directly related to game play may include powermanagement, presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates,system quality or security checks, etc.

Furthermore, the wagering game system architecture 500 can beimplemented as software, hardware, any combination thereof, or otherforms of embodiments not listed. For example, any of the networkcomponents (e.g., the wagering game machines, servers, etc.) can includehardware and machine-readable media including instructions forperforming the operations described herein. Machine-readable mediaincludes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits)information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering gamemachine, computer, etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable mediaincludes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magneticdisk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory machines, etc.Machine-readable media also includes any media suitable for transmittingsoftware over a network.

Example Operations for Integrated Social Networking

This section describes operations associated with some embodiments. Inthe discussion below, some flowcharts are described with reference toblock diagrams presented herein. However, in some embodiments, theoperations can be performed by logic not described in the blockdiagrams.

In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executinginstructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g., software), whilein other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/orother logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can beperformed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of theoperations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments canperform more or less than all the operations shown in any flowchart.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart 600 illustrating integrating socialnetworking interactions and wagering game systems, according to someembodiments. FIGS. 4, 7, and 8 are conceptual diagrams that helpillustrate the flow of FIG. 6, according to some embodiments. Thisdescription will present FIG. 6 in concert with FIGS. 4, 7 and 8. InFIG. 6, the flow 600 begins at processing block 602, where a wageringgame system (“system”) determines that a wagering game player accountinitiates a wagering game session using a wagering game machine on awagering game network. The wagering game machine can include any of thewagering game machine types specified herein as well as other wageringgame related devices that utilize or implement wagering game machines,such as a networked gaming table (e.g., a blackjack table, a pokertable, etc.), a mobile gaming machine docking station, a gaming kiosk,etc.

The flow 600 continues at processing block 604, where the systemdetermines a player-owned social network account associated with thewagering game player account and connects to the player-owned socialnetwork account. The player-owned social network account can beassociated with a social network. In some embodiments, a wagering gameserver (or other device) on the wagering game network can access thewagering game player account and look for a listing of one or morelisted social network accounts that belong to the wagering game playeraccount. The wagering game server can select any one, or more, of thelisted social network accounts. The listed social network accounts canbe associated with social networks that are separate from the wageringgame network. For example, the social networks can be hosted by socialnetwork servers separate from, and/or external to, the wagering gamenetwork. Nevertheless, a wagering game server (or other device) on thewagering game network can access the listed social network account usingsocial-network-account logon information (e.g., a social networkingwebsite address, a user name, a password, etc.) stored in the wageringgame player account. The wagering game server can use thesocial-network-account logon information to connect, or logon, to theplayer-owned social network account.

The flow 600 continues at processing block 606, where the systemdetermines an event that occurs to the wagering game player accountduring the wagering game session and posts a social networking messageof the event to the player-owned social networking account. In someembodiments, the event can be an achievement by the wagering game playeraccount for a wagering game, an availability of a wagering game machine,feedback (e.g., humorous commentary) from the wagering game machine,etc. In one example, the event can specify that a wagering game machine(e.g., Zeus machine) is available and can notify players of the wageringgame machine's availability. Further, the wagering game machine cannotify a player's friends that a machine next to a player is open andcan invite friends. FIG. 4 is an illustration of controlling socialnetworking interactions between player accounts and wagering gamemachines, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 4, a wagering gamesystem (“system”) 400 includes a wagering game machine 460 connected toan account server 470, and a wagering game server 450 via acommunications network 422. The wagering game machine 460 includes awagering game display 461 that presents a wagering game 403. In thewagering game, a wagering game player account (“player account”) 471accomplishes a wagering game win. The wagering game machine 460 presentsa congratulatory message 402 that indicates that the player account 471wins a certain amount. The system 400 also includes a computer 437connected a social network server 480 via the communications network422. The computer 437 presents a web browser 440. The web browser 440presents a social network website 441 hosted by the social networkserver 480. The system 400 transfers a message of the win to the socialnetwork server 480, which presents a status indicator comment 482 aboutthe player account's win in a status feed console 444.

Returning to FIG. 6, the system can post the social networking messageof the event according to a personality (e.g., aggressive,sophisticated, upbeat, etc.) that has been programmed into a wageringgame machine. The wagering game machine can refer to personality rulesthat dictate a degree of friendliness, aggressive, or other personalitybehavioral traits. The system can provide options for an operator to setthe wagering game machine's personality rules. The system can set thepersonality rules on other factors instead of, or in addition to,operator preferences, including, but not limited to, maintenance needs,locations in a casino, availability in a tournament, etc.

The system can post the social networking message using a social networkmessaging application for the social network. The system can provide thesocial networking message to the social network messaging application ofthe social network, and instruct the social network messagingapplication to transmit the social networking message. For example, thesystem can update a status on Facebook™, present a tweet on Twitter™,generate a comment on MySpace™, create a post on a blog website, or useany other social networking messaging mechanism available on socialnetworking websites and their social communication applications.

In some embodiments, the social networking messaging application isprovided by a social networking website, which the system can utilizedirectly and indirectly. For example, the system can plug in a versionof the social network messaging application directly into a gamingapplication and use the plug-in to post comments directly to a socialnetworking website. In other embodiments, however, the system canindirectly connect to the social networking website by sendinginstructions to a social network server to post the social networkingmessage. The social network server can send a verification message tothe wagering game player account to authorize the posting of the messagebefore the message is posted. For example, the social network server cansend a verification text message to a player's cell phone to verify, orauthorize, access by the wagering game machine and/or to enable postingactivity. If the player authorizes the access, the player's cell phonecan return an authorization message, which the social network server canthen use as authorization to post the message on the social networkingwebsite.

In some embodiments, the system can store and use player-configuredevent-posting settings that report, or filter, different types ofevents. The types can refer to win levels, subject matters, game themes,or any other discernible property or characteristic of the event. Thesystem can determine an event type associated with the event anddetermine that the event type complies with the player-configuredevent-posting settings. The system can then generate the socialnetworking message of the event, and present the social networkingmessage on the social network. In some embodiments, the system can storethe player-configured event-posting settings with a social networkmessaging application, with the wagering game player account, or withthe player-owned social network account.

In some embodiments, the system can also provide a selectable object(e.g., a link, a button, a video player, etc.), along with the socialnetworking message, that will present a replay of the event when a userselects (e.g., clicks on) the selectable object. In some embodiments,the system can receive comments from social networking contactsassociated with the social network account and communicate the commentsto the wagering game network to present on a wagering game machineassociated with the wagering game session. In another example, thesystem can incorporate the comments into the wagering game (e.g.,present the comments on the reels, include images of social networkingcontacts who made the comments, etc.). Additionally, the system canreward friends for commenting. In some embodiments, the system canreceive comments from a wagering game player account, via the wageringgame machine, and post those comments using the social network messagingapplication.

The flow 600 continues at processing block 608, where the systemattributes wagering game activity performed by the wagering game playeraccount on the wagering game machine as social interaction with amachine-owned social network account. In some embodiments, the systemcan first link the wagering-game-machine-owned (machine-owned) socialnetwork account to the player-owned social network account, asexemplified in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is an illustration of controlling socialnetwork accounts for wagering game machines, according to someembodiments. In FIG. 8, a wagering game system (“system”) 800 includes acomputer system 837 connected to a social network server 880 via acommunications network 822. The system 800 also includes a wagering gamemachine 860. The wagering game machine 860 can have identifyinginformation (e.g. a machine name, “Mach_1,” an avatar 843, etc.) thatthe system 800 uses to sign-up the wagering game machine 860 for asocial network account 881 hosted by the social network server 880. Thesocial network server 880 can host a social networking website 803 aswell as other social network accounts 844 (for a user, Amy S.) and 845(for a user, Marcus Miller). The computer 837 can present the socialnetworking website 803 in a web browser 840. The social networkingwebsite 803 can present a social network profile 842 for the socialnetwork account 881. The social network account 881 may also be referredto as a “machine-owned” social network account 881 because it belongsto, or is owned by, the wagering game machine 860. The social networkaccounts 844, 845 may be referred to as “player-owned” social networkaccounts 844, 845 because they belong to, or are owned by, wagering gameplayer accounts. The social networking website 803 can present themachine-owned social network account 881 as a linkable social contact(e.g., a friend, a contact, a follower, etc.), on the social networkingwebsite 803. The system 800 can link the machine-owned social networkaccount 881 to the player-owned social network accounts 844, 845 using asocial-contact linking feature from a social network application (e.g.,a linked friends feature 871) on the social networking website 803. Someexamples of linking features on some known social network websitesinclude the friend connection feature for Facebook™ and the followersubscription feature for Twitter™. In some embodiments, the system 800can link, for example, the player-owned social network account 845, forthe user Marcus Miller, to the machine-owned social network account 881,without any required social interaction by the user Marcus Miller, or byMarcus Miller's wagering game player account, other than a request byMarcus Miller to link the to the machine-owned social network account881. In some embodiments, however, the system 800 may require a certainlevel of activity or social interaction before the system links theplayer-owned social network account 845 to the machine-owned socialnetwork account 881. For example, system 800 may only perform the linkif the user Marcus Miller logs on to the wagering game machine 860,using a wagering game player account and plays (i.e., places a wager) onthe wagering game machine 860.

Returning to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a wagering game machine canhave a programmed personality which the wagering game machine use toperform social interactions with the wagering game player, socialnetwork accounts, etc. For example, the wagering game machine can appearto feel bad and possibly de-friend a social contact account forneglecting it or for playing on other wagering game machines.

In some embodiments, the system can detect a pre-defined wageringactivity by a wagering game player account and use it as a measure ofsocial interaction with the wagering game machine, establish a level ofsocial status, or in other words, build a friendship, with the wageringgame machine. For example, in FIG. 7, the system 700 can determine asignificance metric, or degree of significance (e.g., significance invalue, amount, duration, etc.), for the wagering activity. The system700 can determine whether the significance metric of the wageringactivity (e.g., the wagering game win amount) meets one or morepre-defined levels of social interaction for the wagering game machine760. The pre-defined levels of social interaction can be related tolevel of social status to the wagering-game-machine-owned social networkaccount. If the wagering activity meets the pre-defined levels of socialinteraction, the wagering game machine 760 can assign (i.e., increase) alevel of social status, or friendship level, for a social networkaccount associated with the player account (i.e., increase a friendshiplevel for Amy S.'s Facepage account because Amy S.'s player account,player account 771, won, as indicated in the congratulatory message702). Other examples may include increasing a level of social status ifthe player account 771 pays a certain amount of money on the wageringgame machine 760 over time, increasing a level if the player recruits acertain number of friends to play the wagering game machine 760, and soforth.

In some embodiments, the system 700 can attribute the social interactionwith the wagering game machine by providing social network benefits, orrewards, associated with a machine-owned social network account. Forinstance, as indicated in a comments section 746, the system 700 canreward a player-owned social network account with benefits (e.g., avideo replay of Amy S.'s win for any social network account that has afriendship level of “5” or above) for the social interaction performedby the player account 771 with the wagering game machine 760. In otherexamples, the system 700 can provide monetary awards (e.g., spins,coins, credits, etc.) and/or non-monetary awards (e.g., sweepstakesentries, points, coupons, links to new friends, invitations to joingroups, etc.). In some embodiments, the system 700 can provide rewardfor varying levels of social interaction performed by a wagering gameplayer account. The system 700 can increase the rewards in value as thewagering game player account reaches higher levels of social interactionwith the wagering game machine 760. Therefore, in some embodiments, themore the wagering game player account plays on the wagering game machine760, the more the system 700 will rewards the wagering game playeraccount or a player-owned social network account associated with thewagering game player account.

Returning to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the wagering game playeraccount can link or introduce friends to the wagering game machine. Thesystem can reward friends for making introductions as well as forrecruiting others to link to the wagering game machine's social networkaccount. For instance, the system can reward introductions or links bymaking the linked friends eligible to be integrated into wagering gameplay (e.g., via a reel element substitution). In some embodiments, thesystem can provide social networking awards that affect the player-ownedsocial network account on the social network and/or provide gamingawards that affect the wagering game player account on the wagering gamenetwork.

The flow 600 continues at processing block 610, where the systemperforms social networking account activity between the machine-ownedsocial network account and the player-owned social network account. Insome embodiments, the system performs the social networking accountactivity on behalf of the wagering game machine. A casino-controlleddevice (e.g., the wagering game machine, a wagering game server, anaccount server, etc.) can be programmed to perform social networkingaccount activity for the machine-owned social network account. In someembodiments, the casino-controlled device works in conjunction with asocial network server and/or a social network application on the socialnetwork server that receives instructions from the casino-controlleddevice to perform the social networking account activity on the socialnetwork server. The system can socially communicate with themachine-owned social network account, with any linked social networkaccounts of the machine-owned social network account (i.e., theplayer-owned social network account), or with any other social networkaccount with which the social network allows communication (e.g.,social-network contacts of the player-owned social network account). Thesystem can post comments on social network websites using socialnetworking communication features (e.g., Facebook™ comments, Twitter™tweets, Blogger™ posts, etc.). The wagering game machine can haveidentifying information (e.g. a machine name, an avatar, etc.) assignedto it, which the system can use to perform social activities on behalfof the wagering game machine (e.g., post an avatar on machine-ownedsocial networking profiles, use a machine name to identify socialnetworking communications made by the machine-owned social networkaccount, etc.). For example, in FIG. 8, the system 800 can present astatus message 847 about what the wagering game machine 860 is doing(e.g., playing a game with Amy S.). The social network account 844 canread the status message 847 from the social network profile 842 for thesocial network account 881 when the social network account 844 logs onto the social network website 803.

In some embodiments, the system can perform the social networkingaccount activity using social network applications and features on asocial networking website and/or by sponsoring a social networkingapplication on the social networking website. For example, in FIG. 8,the system 800 can utilize a comments feature 891 for the social networkwebsite. In another embodiment, the system 800 can integrate with socialnetwork applications indicated in an applications console 892, orelsewhere on the social network website 803. The social networkapplications can provide levels of benefits (e.g. levels of information,access, rewards, privileges, etc.) for the social network applications.For example, the system 800 can make friend's accounts (i.e., socialcontact accounts linked to a player-owned social network account)eligible to win sweepstakes offered by a sweepstakes application on thesocial networking website 803. In another example, the system 800 canpresent statistics in a statistical or information application orfeatures. For instance, the system 800 can determine statistics for thewagering game machine 860, such as a popularity of the wagering gamemachine by all players or, specifically, by one or more linked socialnetwork accounts that are linked to the machine-owned social networkaccount 881. The system 800 can review a machine's play history (e.g.,review who has played the wagering game machine and when), and submitthe play history to a popularity-tracking social network application 897that can list the popularity of the wagering game machine 860 based onthe play history. The system can also compare an individual player'shistory to other players' histories to generate a comparison of thepopularities among individual players. The system 800 can submit thecomparison to the popularity-tracking social network application 897 topresent on the social network website 803. In yet another example, thesystem 800 can control a leader board application 898 that postsrankings of players that are performing in a gaming tournament. Inanother example, the wagering game machine can report information togroups 893 using group applications 895 that feed to groups of users(e.g., send a picture of a player at the wagering game machine 860 to agroup of friends using a picture sharing application). Further, thewagering game machine 860 can post videos of player activities (e.g.,replays, wins, etc.) using a video sharing application 849.

In some embodiments, the system 800 can present descriptive information846 of the wagering game machine's location, history, statistics, orother properties and characteristics (e.g., how to access a wageringgame machine, what the wagering game machine is paying out, etc). Thedescriptive information 846 can include a map application that shows amap graphic depicting the descriptive information 846.

In some embodiments, the system 800 can provide levels of benefits tothe social networking applications based on degrees of wageringactivity. For example, the system 800 can require that a player performcertain activities using the wagering game machine 860, or on differentwagering game machines (e.g., require that the player play games atdifferent locations, on different wagering game machines), to unlock agame application 848. The social networking website 803 and the wageringgame machine 860 can report player activities and accomplishments backand forth to each other to update the game application 848 and unlockaccess to the game application 848, or access to different levels of thegame application 848, once the player performs the activities.

The flow 600 continues at processing block 612, where the systemdetermines social networking activity performed by one or moresocial-contact-owned social network accounts, which are linked to theplayer-owned social network account, and presents the social networkingactivity on the wagering game machine during the wagering game session.In some embodiments, the system can monitor the player-owned socialnetwork account for social networking communications from one or moresocial-contact-owned social network accounts (“friend accounts”)associated with the player-owned social network account. The friendaccounts can send the social networking communications using socialnetworking communication features of the social networking website. Thesystem can format the social networking communication for presentationon the wagering game machine, and present the communication on thewagering game machine (see FIG. 4 for an example of the system 400presenting the comment feature 443 by the social network account 444 onthe comment application 408 on the wagering game machine 460). In someembodiments, the system can present the social networking communicationas part of the wagering game.

In some embodiments, the system can use social networking activity byfriend accounts to affect or control the wagering game player accountassociated with the player-owned social contact account. For example,the system can use instructions indicated in friend accounts' commentsto influence a gaming effect during the wagering game player account'swagering game session. In some embodiments, instructions indicated infriend accounts' comments can indicate likes, dislikes, preferences, orsome other voting feature related to the wagering game session thatwould specify what the wagering game player account should do during thewagering game session (e.g., vote for the player to bet more, vote forthe player to bet more lines, vote for the player to select a specificitem, vote for the player to stop a reel at a certain time, etc.). Thesystem can present the results of the vote on a display on a wageringgame machine that the wagering game player account is using during thewagering game session. In some embodiments, the wagering game playeraccount can authorize the system to enforce the results of the vote(e.g., authorize the wagering game machine to bet for the wagering gameplayer account based on audience vote).

In some embodiments, the system can provide rewards to the friendaccounts if the social networking communication is presented on thewagering game machine. For example, if a social-contact-owned socialnetwork account (i.e., a friend account) makes a comment for theplayer-owned social network account, the system can make the friendaccount eligible to be integrated into the game or be eligible for somereward. If the friend account also owns a wagering game player account,the system can make the friend account's player account eligible toreceive rewards on the wagering game network.

In another example, the system can provide rewards to the wagering gameplayer account (e.g., a promotion, a privilege, etc.) based on an amountof social networking communication received by friend accounts duringthe wagering game session. For example, the system can present a stackedwilds feature, which grants the wagering game player account eligibilityfor more wilds based on the amount of social networking activity (e.g.,for every ten friend account comments, the system makes the wageringgame player account eligible for another wild). In another example, thesystem can provides opportunities for a player to increase their chancesof receiving a bonus reward or performing better in a bonus game or awagering game (e.g., a better chance of continuing a cascade, a betterchance of getting a multiplier, etc.) based on an amount of socialnetworking communications by friend accounts.

Additional Example Operating Environments

This section describes example operating environments, systems andnetworks, and presents structural aspects of some embodiments.

Wagering Game Computer System

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wageringgame computer system 900, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 9, thecomputer system 900 may include a processor unit 902, a memory unit 930,a processor bus 922, and an Input/Output controller hub (ICH) 924. Theprocessor unit 902, memory unit 930, and ICH 924 may be coupled to theprocessor bus 922. The processor unit 902 may comprise any suitableprocessor architecture. The computer system 900 may comprise one, two,three, or more processors, any of which may execute a set ofinstructions in accordance with some embodiments.

The memory unit 930 may also include a social networking module 937 andan online presence module 980. The memory unit 930 can store data and/orinstructions, and may comprise any suitable memory, such as a dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM), for example. The computer system 900 mayalso include one or more suitable integrated drive electronics (IDE)drive(s) 908 and/or other suitable storage devices. A graphicscontroller 904 controls the display of information on a display device906, according to some embodiments.

The input/output controller hub (ICH) 924 provides an interface to I/Odevices or peripheral components for the computer system 900. The ICH924 may comprise any suitable interface controller to provide for anysuitable communication link to the processor unit 902, memory unit 930and/or to any suitable device or component in communication with the ICH924. The ICH 924 can provide suitable arbitration and buffering for eachinterface.

For one embodiment, the ICH 924 provides an interface to the one or moreIDE drives 908, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or compact disc readonly memory (CD ROM) drive, or to suitable universal serial bus (USB)devices through one or more USB ports 910. For one embodiment, the ICH924 also provides an interface to a keyboard 912, selection device 914(e.g., a mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc.), CD-ROM drive 918, and one ormore suitable devices through one or more firewire ports 916. For oneembodiment, the ICH 924 also provides a network interface 920 thoughwhich the computer system 900 can communicate with other computersand/or devices.

The computer system 900 may also include a machine-readable medium thatstores a set of instructions (e.g., software) embodying any one, or all,of the methodologies for integrating social networking and wageringsystems. Furthermore, software can reside, completely or at leastpartially, within the memory unit 930 and/or within the processor unit902. The computer system 900 can also include a social networking module937. The social networking module 937 can process communications,commands, or other information, to integrate social networking andwagering systems. Any component of the computer system 900 can beimplemented as hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable mediaincluding instructions for performing the operations described herein.

Wagering Game Machine Architecture

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of awagering game machine architecture 1000, according to some embodiments.In FIG. 10, the wagering game machine architecture 1000 includes awagering game machine 1006, which includes a central processing unit(CPU) 1026 connected to main memory 1028. The CPU 1026 can include anysuitable processor, such as an Intel® Pentium processor, Intel® Core 2Duo processor, AMD Opteron™ processor, or UltraSPARC processor. The mainmemory 1028 includes a wagering game unit 1032. In some embodiments, thewagering game unit 1032 can present wagering games, such as video poker,video black jack, video slots, video lottery, reel slots, etc., in wholeor part.

The CPU 1026 is also connected to an input/output (“I/O”) bus 1022,which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 1022 is connected to apayout mechanism 1008, primary display 1010, secondary display 1012,value input device 1014, player input device 1016, information reader1018, and storage unit 1030. The player input device 1016 can includethe value input device 1014 to the extent the player input device 1016is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 1022 is also connected to anexternal system interface 1024, which is connected to external systems(e.g., wagering game networks). The external system interface 1024 caninclude logic for exchanging information over wired and wirelessnetworks (e.g., 802.11g transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernettransceiver, etc.)

The I/O bus 1022 is also connected to a location unit 1038. The locationunit 1038 can create player information that indicates the wagering gamemachine's location/movements in a casino. In some embodiments, thelocation unit 1038 includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiverthat can determine the wagering game machine's location using GPSsatellites. In other embodiments, the location unit 1038 can include aradio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can determine thewagering game machine's location using RFID readers positionedthroughout a casino. Some embodiments can use GPS receiver and RFID tagsin combination, while other embodiments can use other suitable methodsfor determining the wagering game machine's location. Although not shownin FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the location unit 1038 is not connectedto the I/O bus 1022.

In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1006 can includeadditional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each componentshown in FIG. 10. For example, in some embodiments, the wagering gamemachine 1006 can include multiple external system interfaces 1024 and/ormultiple CPUs 1026. In some embodiments, any of the components can beintegrated or subdivided.

In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1006 includes a socialnetworking module 1037 and an online presence module 1080. The socialnetworking module 1037 can process communications, commands, or otherinformation, where the processing can integrate social networking andwagering systems. The online presence module 1080 can processcommunications, commands, or other information, where the processing canprovide for an online presence for the wagering game machine 1006.

Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine 1006 can includehardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including instructionsfor performing the operations described herein.

Wagering Game Machine

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of awagering game machine 1100, according to some embodiments. Referring toFIG. 11, the wagering game machine 1100 can be used in gamingestablishments, such as casinos. According to some embodiments, thewagering game machine 1100 can be any type of wagering game machine andcan have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, thewagering game machine 1100 can be an electromechanical wagering gamemachine configured to play mechanical slots, or it can be an electronicwagering game machine configured to play video casino games, such asblackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.

The wagering game machine 1100 comprises a housing 1112 and includesinput devices, including value input devices 1118 and a player inputdevice 1124. For output, the wagering game machine 1100 includes aprimary display 1114 for displaying information about a basic wageringgame. The primary display 1114 can also display information about abonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The wagering gamemachine 1100 also includes a secondary display 1116 for displayingwagering game events, wagering game outcomes, and/or signageinformation. While some components of the wagering game machine 1100 aredescribed herein, numerous other elements can exist and can be used inany number or combination to create varying forms of the wagering gamemachine 1100.

The value input devices 1118 can take any suitable form and can belocated on the front of the housing 1112. The value input devices 1118can receive currency and/or credits inserted by a player. The valueinput devices 1118 can include coin acceptors for receiving coincurrency and bill acceptors for receiving paper currency. Furthermore,the value input devices 1118 can include ticket readers or barcodescanners for reading information stored on vouchers, cards, or othertangible portable storage devices. The vouchers or cards can authorizeaccess to central accounts, which can transfer money to the wageringgame machine 1100.

The player input device 1124 comprises a plurality of push buttons on abutton panel 1126 for operating the wagering game machine 1100. Inaddition, or alternatively, the player input device 1124 can comprise atouch screen 1128 mounted over the primary display 1114 and/or secondarydisplay 1116.

The various components of the wagering game machine 1100 can beconnected directly to, or contained within, the housing 1112.Alternatively, some of the wagering game machine's components can belocated outside of the housing 1112, while being communicatively coupledwith the wagering game machine 1100 using any suitable wired or wirelesscommunication technology.

The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to the playeron the primary display 1114. The primary display 1114 can also display abonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display1114 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution liquidcrystal display (LCD), a plasma display, light emitting diodes (LEDs),or any other type of display suitable for use in the wagering gamemachine 1100. Alternatively, the primary display 1114 can include anumber of mechanical reels to display the outcome. In FIG. 11, thewagering game machine 1100 is an “upright” version in which the primarydisplay 1114 is oriented vertically relative to the player.Alternatively, the wagering game machine can be a “slant-top” version inwhich the primary display 1114 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angletoward the player of the wagering game machine 1100. In yet anotherembodiment, the wagering game machine 1100 can exhibit any suitable formfactor, such as a free standing model, bar top model, mobile handheldmodel, or workstation console model.

A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a wager via thevalue input device 1118. The player can initiate play by using theplayer input device's buttons or touch screen 1128. The basic game caninclude arranging a plurality of symbols along a pay line 1132, whichindicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can berandomly selected in response to player input. At least one of theoutcomes, which can include any variation or combination of symbols, cantrigger a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1100 can also include aninformation reader 1152, which can include a card reader, ticket reader,bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer readable storage mediuminterface. In some embodiments, the information reader 1152 can be usedto award complimentary services, restore game assets, track playerhabits, etc.

The described embodiments may be provided as a computer program product,or software, that may include a machine-readable medium having storedthereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (orother electronic device(s)) to perform a process according toembodiments(s), whether presently described or not, because everyconceivable variation is not enumerated herein. A machine readablemedium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information ina form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine(e.g., a computer). The machine-readable medium may include, but is notlimited to, magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); opticalstorage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read onlymemory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory(e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of mediumsuitable for storing electronic instructions. In addition, embodimentsmay be embodied in an electrical, optical, acoustical or other form ofpropagated signal (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digitalsignals, etc.), or wireline, wireless, or other communications medium.

General

This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawingsand illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subjectmatter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventivesubject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Otherembodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, aslogical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to theexample embodiments described herein. Features of various embodimentsdescribed herein, however essential to the example embodiments in whichthey are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as awhole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, andapplication are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define theseexample embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore,limit embodiments, which are defined only by the appended claims. Eachof the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling withinthe inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: generating, by a wageringgame machine, a first instruction to create a user account managed bythe wagering game machine on a social network, the first instructionbeing based on an Application Programming Interface (API) for a serverhosting the social network, the wagering game machine including a valueinput device configured to detect a physical item associated with amonetary value that establishes a credit balance, and transmitting, bythe wagering game machine, the first instruction to the server forexecution thereby; determining, by the wagering game machine, to publishwagering game activity that has occurred at the wagering game machine tothe user account managed by the wagering game machine; generating, bythe wagering game machine, a second instruction to publish the wageringgame activity, the second instruction being based on the API for theserver; and transmitting, by the wagering game machine, the secondinstruction to the server for execution thereby.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising: determining, based at least in part on apredetermined or configurable criterion, to post an event to the useraccount for the wagering game machine.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinthe predetermined or configurable criterion comprises one or more of awin amount exceeding a threshold amount, an achievement associated witha wagering game account of a player, or an availability of the wageringgame machine.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in responseto a predetermined or configurable criterion, generating an instructionto invite a player of the wagering game machine to become a socialcontact of the user account for the wagering game machine.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein the predetermined or configurable criterioncomprises one or more of an amount a player has wagered at the wageringgame machine exceeding a first threshold amount, a number of wins by theplayer at the wagering game machine exceeding a second threshold amount,an amount of time the player plays the wagering game machine exceeds athird threshold amount.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein generating, bythe wagering game machine, the second instruction to publish wageringgame activity comprises generating an instruction to publish a type ofthe wagering game activity, wherein the type comprises either or both atheme of a wagering game playable at the wagering game machine at a timewhen the wagering game activity occurred or a location of the wageringgame machine at a time when the wagering game activity occurred.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: generating an instruction to posta message to the user account of the wagering game machine, wherein themessage is personalized with a user name or account name of a player ofthe wagering game machine.
 8. A wagering game machine primarilydedicated for use in conducting wagering games, comprising: one or moreprocessors; a value input device communicably coupled to the one or moreprocessors and configured to detect a physical item associated with amonetary value that establishes a credit balance; and a non-transitorymachine-readable medium to store instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: generate afirst instruction to create a user account managed by the wagering gamemachine on a social network, the first instruction being based on anApplication Programming Interface (API) for a server hosting the socialnetwork, and transmitting, by the wagering game machine, the firstinstruction to the server for execution thereby; determine to publishwagering game activity that has occurred at the wagering game machine tothe user account managed by the wagering game machine; generate a secondinstruction to publish the wagering game activity the second instructionbeing based on the API for the server; and transmit the secondinstruction to the server for execution thereby.
 9. The wagering gamemachine of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the one ormore processors to: determine, based at least in part on a predeterminedor configurable criterion, to generate an instruction post an event tothe user account for the wagering game machine.
 10. The wagering gamemachine of claim 9, wherein the predetermined or configurable criterioncomprises one or more of a win amount exceeding a threshold amount, anachievement associated with a wagering game account of a player, or anavailability of the wagering game machine.
 11. The wagering game machineof claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the one or moreprocessors to: in response to a predetermined or configurable criterion,generating an instruction to invite a player of the wagering gamemachine to become a social contact of the user account for the wageringgame machine.
 12. The wagering game machine of claim 11, wherein thepredetermined or configurable criterion comprises one or more of anamount the player has wagered at the wagering game machine exceeding afirst threshold amount, a number of wins by the player at the wageringgame machine exceeding a second threshold amount, or an amount of timethe player plays the wagering game machine exceeds a third thresholdamount.
 13. The wagering game machine of claim 8, wherein theinstructions to cause the one or more processors to generate the secondinstruction to publish wagering game activity comprise instructions tocause the one or more processors to generate an instruction to publish atype of the wagering game activity, wherein the type comprises either orboth a theme of a wagering game playable at the wagering game machine ata time when the wagering game activity occurred or a location of thewagering game machine at a time when the wagering game activityoccurred.
 14. The wagering game machine of claim 8, wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: post a messageto the user account of the wagering game machine, wherein the message ispersonalized with a user name or account name of a player of thewagering game machine.
 15. A method for execution by a server hosting asocial network, the method comprising: receiving, from a wagering gamemachine, a first instruction to create a user account managed by thewagering game machine on the social network, the first instruction beingbased on an Application Programming Interface (API) for the server, thewagering game machine including a value input device configured todetect a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishesa credit balance, and receiving, from the wagering game machine, asecond instruction to publish wagering game activity that has occurredat the wagering game machine to the user account, the second instructionbeing based on the API for the server and generated by the wagering gamemachine in response to a determination made by the wagering game machineto publish the wagering game activity; and publishing, by the server,the wagering game activity.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thewagering game activity comprises one or more of a win amount exceeding athreshold amount, an achievement associated with a wagering game accountof a player, or an availability of the wagering game machine.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: receiving, from the wageringgame machine, an instruction to invite a player of the wagering gamemachine to become a social contact of the user account for the wageringgame machine; and issuing an invitation to a social network accountassociated with the player of the wagering game machine.
 18. The methodof claim 15, further comprising: receiving, from the wagering gamemachine, an instruction to post a message to the user account of thewagering game machine, wherein the message is personalized with a username or account name of a player of the wagering game machine.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: receiving, from the wageringgame machine, an instruction to subscribe to an online presence of adifferent wagering game machine.
 20. The method of claim 15, whereinpostings to the user account for the wagering game machine areaccessible by a person without requiring the person to provideidentification.